Sara Cox Named New Host of BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show
Sara Cox has been officially announced as the successor to Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show. The appointment follows the recent dismissal of Mills, which the corporation attributed to concerns regarding his personal conduct.
The controversy surrounding Mills’ departure emerged earlier this month, with reports linking his sacking to a 2016 police investigation into allegations of sexual offences against a teenage boy. The BBC subsequently acknowledged that concerns regarding “inappropriate communications” involving the presenter had been raised the previous year, admitting that a formal investigation was not pursued at that time.
Mills has since addressed the situation, confirming that he fully cooperated with the 2016 police investigation and that the evidential threshold required to bring charges was not met. He has expressed a desire for privacy regarding the matter.
Cox, who has been a staple of the station’s weekday schedule as the host of the 4pm-7pm slot, is set to take over the breakfast show this summer. Reflecting on her new role, she shared her enthusiasm: “There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let’s start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed.”
She added, “It’s been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me. I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on teatime so thank you to my brilliant teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, praised the appointment, noting that Cox is “adored by her millions of listeners” and possesses the “trademark warmth and humour” necessary to build a strong rapport with the breakfast audience.
Cox’s career with the BBC is extensive, beginning at Radio 1 in 1999. She previously fronted the Radio 1 breakfast show from 2000 to 2003 before joining Radio 2 in 2011. Her replacement for the afternoon teatime show will be announced in due course.
